How to Spin Yarn on a Drop Spindle

Learn how to spin yarn on a top whorl drop spindle! In this video I show you how to use the park and draft method and explain how to start spinning with and without a leader string. I also show you how to join new fiber to your project. There are helpful tips throughout the video that I've learned from my own experiences spinning yarn.

Below you will find helpful pdf links: one describing different types of fiber for spinning, and another pdf link to information about spinning techniques, types of spindles, and other essential yarn spinning vocabulary.

Resources:

Spinning Techniques, Types of Spindles, and Spinning Vocab:

Timestamp:
00:00 Intro
00:22 Free resources and information in description.
00:45 Beginning spinner tips (Most common fiber types to start with.)
00:55 What is staple length?
01:09 How to determine the staple length of your fiber.
02:00 What is drafting?
02:17 Don't get discouraged. Check out my beginner yarn for inspiration.
03:16 What is pre-drafting?
03:30 How to start spinning a single without a leader string.
04:48 Basic process of spinning a single explained.
05:45 How to test your single to see if it is balanced before winding it on your spindle. Does it make a pigtail?
06:30 How to wind a single onto the spindle shaft.
09:50 Summary of the spinning process.
10:14 How to join sections of fiber while spinning.
12:14 Example of an overspun single and how to fix it before winding it onto your spindle shaft.
14:34 Second example of joining fiber.
16:49 How to start spinning a single with a leader string.
19:13 Thank you for watching and don't forget to check out the free resources and information in the description.

[lizwhaley]

Hi! Thank you for this! I'm in the "we just need to practice" phase of spinning where I just need to keep at it to get that muscle memory and get a true feel for it. I love how casual this video is (the more formal-feeling videos certainly have their place, too), and for now, I like how you can make me relax and not freak out when the yarn breaks or the spin is too tight or too loose. I feel like I'm just learning a new skill from a friend, so thank you, friend!

[sarahklos]

After two video tutorials that didn’t click with me, yours did! Thank you so much for this!!

[seleneyue]

The way I learned to use the leader, you knot the ends, and do a hitch around the spindle with the knotted ends near the spindle and the looped end free. Predraft a little fiber and put it THROUGH THE LOOP. Fold it in on itself and start spinning. I find that an inch of fiber in the loop is plenty unless your fiber is very slippery. I prefer to spin without a leader, but I do think that this method is more beginner-friendly.
Edit: When I start without a leader, I also loop it through the hook so the fiber end is double on itself.

[kirsilagebro]

Hi, I want to thank you, this was very interesting and helpful. I'm beginner and I found a lot of information in your links too. I love your video and how you explain things ♥️ watching from 🇫🇮

[hannahleigh]

I ordered a drop spindle and some fiber so I’ve watching a lot of videos! 😂 In one I saw someone make a knot in the leader and loop the fiber in instead of joining it. I love your video!! ❤

[Bethabara]

So sorry, my phone keyboard went nuts, lol. Thankyou. Ive tried spindle spinning, my "yarn" is so thick. Your video is helping me figure it out 😊

[lolly-loushowtos]

Try using a leader to attach your wool to on the spindle. Have you checked out JilianEve's channel? You can get lots of ideas for your future videos.

[carolynpaxton]

What wool were you using and what weight spindle?